Level up your finances for financial literacy month

April marks the start of Financial Literacy Month, a perfect time to boost your money management skills. This month highlights the importance of financial education and why making informed decisions about saving, spending and investing matters. 
 

At Abound, we believe financial education changes lives. As a not-for-profit cooperative, our focus is always on you and your financial success. Here are a few smart money habits you can adopt this month to improve your finances:
 

1. Track your spending -  Knowing where your money goes makes sticking to a budget easier. Our How Much Am I Spending calculator lets you enter expenses, from housing and utilities down to small daily purchases like your morning coffee. By reviewing your spending habits, you can identify areas to cut back and redirect funds to your Savings Account, retirement accounts or debt repayment. 
2. Utilize Automation - Setting up automatic payments for bills and monthly debt from your Abound account helps ensure you never miss a payment. You can also automate transfers to your Savings Account to build effortlessly. For higher returns, automate deposits to our High-Yield Savings Account, where your money grows faster with market-lending rates and monthly dividends¹. By automating deposits and letting compound interest do the work, you'll build financial security without even thinking about it. 
3. Shop with CashBack+ - CashBack+ is an Abound Member benefit available through Online & Mobile Banking*. It is a smarter way to shop where you can buy gift cards to use for your everyday purchases and receive instant cash back, up to 20%². Log in to Online Banking to browse personalized offers from  your favorite brands and hundreds more. CashBack+ helps you plan ahead, manage your budget, and earn cash back all at once. 
4. Speak with a Financial Advisor - Consulting with a financial advisor is an easy way to optimize your finances. Whether you're saving for college or retirement, our Investments Team can help you build a savings plan tailored to your unique goals. To discuss your options, you can schedule an appointment here.

Our commitment to financial education

We are proud to be your partner in financial wellness. Our dedication is shown every day through the work we do in our branches and throughout the Commonwealth. One way we invest in financial literacy is through our Financial Wellness Program, where we visit classrooms across the Commonwealth to teach financial education aligned with Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) standards. If you're a teacher interested in bringing our curriculum to your classroom, you can request a visit by contacting our Financial Wellness Team here. This learning experience is fun, interactive and suitable for all ages!

We also support financial literacy through our ongoing partnership with Western Kentucky University (WKU). Last year, Abound gifted $500,000 to the WKU Center for Financial Success, now known as the WKU Center for Financial Success Sponsored by Abound Credit Union. Our sponsorship helps expand the program's reach, providing more students with one-on-one coaching on budgeting, credit building and student loan management. 

Since our founding in 1950 by 10 Military Veterans, we have remained dedicated to offering essential financial services and promoting financial wellness and education for our Members and the communities we serve. 

Want to level up your finances even more? Abound's Dollars & Sense program can help. This free program offers valuable insights into your spending habits, credit factors, saving plans and more. Sign up today to work one-on-one with one of our nationally certified Credit Union Financial Counselors. You can request an appointment here.